Former World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten Resigns officially as Pakistan’s white-ball cricket coach, just 6 months after his appointment. His resignation comes after some disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fueling speculations about internal power struggles within the team’s management. Kirsten, who was expected to revive Pakistan’s ODI and T20 cricket teams after a challenging period, leaves at a crucial time as Pakistan’s performance on the international stage continues to decline.
Following Kirsten’s exit, Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s Test team coach, will temporarily take charge of the white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Australia. Despite this temporary arrangement, Gillespie’s future as a permanent replacement has not been confirmed, creating an air of uncertainty around the team’s leadership. The PCB confirmed on X that Kirsten’s resignation had been accepted, and that Gillespie would be at the helm for the upcoming tour.
Restructuring at PCB and Its Impact
Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie were initially hired in April with great anticipation, tasked with leading Pakistan’s recovery in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. However, recent weeks saw their roles as selectors stripped away after the PCB appointed a new selection committee, chaired by former fast bowler Aqib Javed. This restructuring came amidst growing concerns about the team’s declining form and internal disagreements.
The new committee also comprises notable figures like former ICC elite umpire Aleem Dar, ex-players Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, and cricket analyst Hassan Cheema. With this overhaul, both Kirsten and Gillespie, along with Pakistan’s captains, were removed from the selection process for the second and third Test matches against England. The new selection panel then proceeded to announce Pakistan’s ODI and T20 squads for the upcoming fixtures, further solidifying the internal shake-up.
Amidst these changes, Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper, was named as the new captain for the white-ball teams, with Salman Ali Agha stepping in as his deputy. This shift in leadership is seen as a significant step as Pakistan looks to rebuild under new management and address the ongoing issues within the PCB. Kirsten’s resignation, paired with the recent leadership changes, highlights the growing tension and uncertainties surrounding Pakistan’s cricket future.
